Director Environmental Health and Safety

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Position Summary  

The Director of Environmental Health and Safety reports to the Chief Security Officer as the EHS subject matter expert. The incumbent will lead, direct, and manage the development and performance of the University’s Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) portfolio which includes the Hazardous Waste Management unit (HWM) and its HAZMAT Spill Response. The Director will provide leadership to establish high compliance standards and collaboration for a robust and collaborative safety culture.

The Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) and Hazardous Waste Management (HWM) teams are deeply committed to the health and safety of our University community; providing a safe environment which meets the requirements of University policy, government regulations, sound management practices and applicable standards.

The unit supports the continuous improvement of a safety culture by providing advice, guidance, training, instruction and technical support to students, faculty, and staff to empower them to fulfill and be accountable for their health and safety. Our teams are highly specialized and accountable for developing safety programs as well as partnering with our academic and administrative units to understand specific health and safety concerns and creating innovative solutions collaboratively.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The Director develops and establishes strategies, processes, systems, procedures, and metrics to achieve excellent Environmental Health and Safety and Hazardous Waste Management outcomes and performance with a strong focus on continuous learning and improvement.

• Liaises with unit administrators, Deans, Chairs, Directors, faculty, units, and departments as well as regulatory agencies.

• Acts as a subject matter expert to all levels of the University in matters concerning but not limited to research and Lab Safety, Bio Safety, Radiation Safety, Laser Safety, Occupational Hygiene, Asbestos Management, confined space, controlled substances, workshop safety, accident prevention, facilities safety and office ergonomics.

• Provides leadership and direction in strategic and operational goals and objectives, to ensure the provision of a reliable and responsive Health and Safety culture within the university.

• The Director identifies and works on strategic areas for improved safety and safety culture in the University

• Leading the Environmental Health and Safety and Hazardous Waste Management strategic planning process in alignment with the Campus Public Safety strategic plan and develop goals and objectives for the units, including organizational change, development of future projects and communications strategies.

• Builds strong relationships with senior leadership, stakeholders and utilizes influence to move strategic Health and Safety programs and initiatives forward.

• Works within a team of counterparts who have shared obligations with respect to safety and security.

• Develops and implements communications strategies that will contribute to a culture amongst stakeholders.  

• Establishes all strategic Health and Safety initiatives, programs, policies, and projects to enable the university to meet its strategic goals.

• Contributes to the development of university policies and procedures that guide the implementation of sound environmental, health and safety practices.

• Develops and implements programs to ensure the University is compliant with legislative and regulatory requirements.

• Leads a team of Hazardous Waste Management professionals who manipulate and handle a variety of wastes (radioactive, chemical, biomedical, and bulk) for internal and external clients.

• Strategically plans for the department’s future workforce needs and inspires, coaches and mentors twenty (20) Environmental Health and Safety and Hazardous Waste Management professionals in their career development.

• Responsible for providing Environmental Health and Safety reporting to the University Health & Safety Committee (UHSC) and to the Board of Governors’ HR committee.

• Oversee the design and implementation of related programs and services; policy creation; as well as the financial and operational leadership of the unit.

• Directs, develops, and executes the annual budget for the department; projects expenses; approves expenditures; approves acquisition of materials and equipment.

Education and experience:

-Undergraduate degree

-Eight (8) years’ related experience

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:

Master’s degree in Science, Health Sciences or Industrial Health is an asset. Certification in Environmental Health and Safety or Industrial Hygiene is required. Experience in a senior leadership role in a large, complex organization (preferably within a post-secondary institution), with a combination of experience in occupational health, safety, and environment, is required. Expert knowledge of all the relevant and applicable environmental and occupational health and safety legislation. Demonstrated skill in interpreting and ensuring regulatory compliance. Ability to take a holistic approach in an academic environment when providing direction and problem-solving. Excellent communications, analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent financial, human resource and change management skills. Demonstrated knowledge of budget and fiscal management principles and practices. Superior leadership skills in making sound decisions and leading teams day-to-day and during crisis situations. Strong desire to champion Environmental Health and Safety excellence. Experience with MS Suites and other Environmental Health and Safety management systems (e.g.: MyLab) is an asset. Highly developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills in English and French.

Knowledge of French and English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

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